Blackfriars filly Crystal Gardens can secure a third fillies’ classic in as many seasons for her sire in the 2014 WA Oaks.

The Adam Durrant trained filly is emerging as the next star on the horizon for the Scenic Lodge champion.

Crystal Gardens (3f Blackfriars – Danni’s Crystal by Johann Quatz) powered home to win the Westspeed Hcp (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.  Still in her first preparation, she had won a Bunbury maiden on debut in December.

“She’s heading in the right direction,” Durrant said.  “And I wouldn’t swap her for anything else heading towards the Oaks.”

The $250,000 WA Oaks at Group 3 level is scheduled for March 29.  Blackfriars sired Pop Culture to win the G3 WA Oaks in 2012 and the Durrant-trainer Summah’s Touch in the LR Belmont Oaks in 2013.

Crystal Gardens is raced by Scenic Lodge owner David Smith and Durrant’s father Geoff.  She is the third foal of Danni’s Crystal who was placed in Honor Lap’s 2002 WA Oaks.  The mare missed to Blackfriars for two years running but was first in the queue last September and was stopped after one cover.

Blackfriars (Danehill) has 32 yearlings catalogued for the Perth Magic Millions next month.  The Scenic Lodge draft includes a half-sister to Karuta Queen (Lot 28), three-quarter brother to Eclair Surprise (Lot 59), three-quarter brother to Playing God and God Has Spoken (Lot 77), first foal from LR Matchmaker Classic winner Scenic Fair (Lot 162) and a sister to LR T J Smith Trophy winner Dominicano (Lot 211).

BLACKFRIARS – CARD QUEEN FILLY
Half-sister to Karuta Queen catalogued as Lot 28 at Perth Magic Millions